Music
Top 5 Pop Releases: July Edition
by Aaron Zorgel
July 29, 2011
Each month, tons of new music from many taste-spanning genres is released into a fast-consuming, unforgiving audience; it can be tough to get a handle on what’s new before it’s on to the next. In an attempt to highlight the standout releases, at the end of each month, AUX staff re-cap the month in Punk, Metal, Indie/Pop/Rock, Hip Hop, Pop, and Dance with the top five releases in each. Consider it your cheat sheet for year-end lists.
Top 5 Pop Tracks:
July Edition
Lloyd – “Dedication to My Ex (Miss That)” feat. Lil Wayne, Andre 3000 |
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If you’re looking for a playfully vulgar soul-influenced R&B track that ups the ante from Cee Lo’s (so-overplayed-it-shall-not-be-named) 2010 banger, look no further. Lloyd channels MJ over a beat that could be a re-write of Duffy’s massive 2008 smash hit “Mercy,” if not for Lloyd’s anguished (and filthy) chorus: “Ooh, Ooh / Tell me where that pussy gone / Ooh, Ooh / ‘Cause it don’t feel the same no more.” Somehow, these smutty lyrics don’t bother me. In fact, it gives this track a bizarre vibe that is as much Motown-groovy as it is 2-Live-Crew-lewd. When it comes to testing our cultural morality in 2011, Cee Lo set the bar, and Lloyd is jumping off of it and doing a rad dunk. I don’t even know if a radio edit is possible, and that almost makes it better. Have a listen, and see what you think. If you’re offended, you’re either a prude, or an old person. Or both.
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Beyoncé – “Schoolin’ Life” |
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This song was released exclusively on the deluxe edition of 4, and in my opinion, it easily trumps the rest of the songs on the actual record. It’s a feel-good uptempo dance track that is defined by the signature funky/sexy sound of producer The-Dream. From the opening retro synth stabs, to the terrifyingly tight rolling drum fills this track is a beast. Speaking of beasts, Beyoncé (as usual) delivers an inspired and ferocious vocal. This track is a perfect party-starting and lyrically life-affirming monster, and I sincerly hope it’s not overlooked by pop music fans because it’s a deluxe edition exclusive. Seriously, it just might be my favourite song released this year. This might be impulse, but I kind of what to get the chorus tattooed across my back.
~*WhO NeEds a dEGREE when UR sChOOlin’ Lyfe*~ |
Theophilus London – “I Stand Alone” |
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Trinidadian-born and Brooklyn-raised (sound familiar?), Theophilus London seems destined to be huge. His genre bending approach to R&B and Electro has yet to land him a hit single, but as the debut single from his debut full-length (Timez Are Weird These Days) “I Stand Alone” might be his big breakthrough. I don’t want to put Theo in a box, but I definitely see him as a Janelle Monae-type; grandiose concepts, experimental instrumentation/production, and ultimately, it’s catchy as hell. |
Demi Lovato – “Skyscraper” |
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Now, I’m not usually into Disney-core, but something about this song just punches me right in the gut. Yes, it’s a textbook pop radio balled produced by Toby Gad, a.k.a. the KING of the female vocal ballad, with production credits on songs by Beyoncé, Natasha Beddingfield, Jordin Sparks, Selena Gomez and Alicia Keys, to name a few. But, what makes this song special is the outstanding vocal performance that it’s anchored on. I have never heard a performance so unhinged and so emotional on a song that is obviously aimed at the most mainstream audience possible. It’s kind of unbelievable. This girl can really sing. In recent years, pop music has been lacking a songstress who can deliver a really shiver-inducing “money note.” Skip to 3:09 of “Skyscraper” if you’re craving chills. Beautiful.
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Big Sean – “Marvin Gaye & Chardonnay” feat. Kanye West & Roscoe Dash |
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“This was all inspired by a little Marvin Gaye and Chardonnay”
There’s something about Big Sean’s delivery on this track that really gives me faith in him. To be a rapper who breaks through to the Top 40 mainstream, you have to have confidence, a personality, and that certain “swag.” Oh yeah, and you also have to be able to rhyme well, I guess. Lucky for Sean, he seems to possess all of these qualities in abundance, especially on this track, the second single from his debut record Finally Famous. This song hooks me far more than his first single (“My Last”), thanks to spot-on production by Andrew “Pop” Wansel, also known for producing “Your Love” by Nicki Minaj. A feature from Kanye makes this song more listenable for a mainstream audience, so I wouldn’t be surprised if we saw a lot more of Big Sean on the Billboard Hot 100 this Summer.
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Surprises, disappointments and tracks/albums to watch for next month
Surprise of the month: How much I’m into that new Demi Lovato song. Have I gone soft, or what? I AM AN EMOTIONAL MAN.
Disappointments: Nikki Jean. I had high expectations for Lupe Fiasco’s pop protege, but when her debut single landed (“Million Dollar Hotel”) it lacked depth and personality. Yeah, it just kinda sucked. I like Lupe, but this was a bit of a misfire for me.
Out in August: Carter IV is coming, and so is David Guetta’s new record. Get ready for infinitely more pop-soaked club bangers.
Tags: Music, Lists, News, Beyonce, big sean, demi lovato, theophilus london
